Memphis Music Scene

1948

Memphis station WDIA changes to an all-black format. By the following summer, it will become the first radio station in the U.S. staffed entirely by black disc jockeys, and in a few years, it will be the most powerful station in Memphis.

1949

Nashville’s Bullet Records releases the first record by Memphis-based Riley “B.B.” King, host of a popular show on WDIA.

1950

Sam Phillips opens Memphis Recording Service at 706 Union Avenue. He begins recording several local blues artists, including B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and James Cotton.